£300,000 investment in Specsavers Connswater creates seven new jobs

Specsavers Connswater has invested almost £300,000 in relocating to larger premises in Connswater Shopping Centre in response to community demand for its services.

The investment in the new Specsavers store is being made by the store’s two local directors – Lynsey Caldwell and Paula Cunningham - who together have clocked up almost 27 years in the business.

Staff numbers increase to 33

When the store opens on March 24 seven new jobs will be created, bringing the total workforce at the new Specsavers Connswater to 33. At 2,200 sq ft, the new premises are 50% bigger, making the store one of the biggest Specsavers in Northern Ireland.

The new store has five optical test rooms and a dedicated hearing centre with a soundproof room for hearing testing. The store is also the first Specsavers in Northern Ireland to introduce the latest software in optical technology to link with the store's iPads, making the process of dispensing glasses smoother and quicker.

Growing demand for services

Lynsey Caldwell, Dispensing Director at Connswater, Belfast, said: 'After 14 successful years in Connswater Shopping Centre we are now moving just up the mall to premises which are 50% bigger in order to cater for growing demand for our services particularly in areas including hearcare, children's eyecare, the over 60s market and contact lenses.

'The investment is being made at a local level to expand services for local people. It reaffirms our commitment to provide top quality and value for money eyecare and hearcare services for the community of east Belfast and beyond as well as securing employment for seven more people. We're delighted to be able to offer cutting edge facilities to our customers in our new premises and we thank the local community for its continued loyalty and support.'